JP2007201618A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus whose usage limit and management can simply be executed by each user and each organization department, compared with conventional image forming apparatuses. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus stores a constraint table for job setting, uses a check means so as to check whether or not a designated job setting is relevant to setting in the constraint table, and can apply constraints such as a limit or inhibition to the execution of the corresponding job. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of holding set information when a job is issued.
When the pre-registered settings match the specified job, job execution is restricted,
The present invention relates to an example of executing and displaying an appropriate setting pattern from setting candidates registered in advance.

  An image having a function capable of detecting a job corresponding to a recorded setting condition is used to execute processing for restricting job execution and changing the current job setting to an unrestricted setting using conventional technology. In the forming apparatus, when a job corresponding to the recorded setting condition is issued, the job must be restricted, and the user must change the setting to an unrestricted setting again.

  Therefore, the restricted job setting cannot be changed to a job setting that is not automatically restricted.

Restricted jobs can continue but cannot be prohibited.
(For example, see Patent Document 1)
JP 09-185297 A

  In the current image forming apparatus, when a job to be restricted is issued, it can be restricted but cannot be prohibited. In addition, a job that is restricted or prohibited cannot be automatically changed to a setting that does not correspond to the restriction or the prohibited item. When changing to a setting that does not correspond to restrictions or prohibited items, the user needs to set it again.

  When the setting is performed again, there is no setting assistance function such as a setting candidate for avoiding the restriction, and the user has to make a setting for avoiding the restriction by himself / herself.

  In the prior art, there were inconveniences as described above. Therefore, in addition to job restriction and continuation, a restriction function for job execution such as prohibition was added, and when a job corresponding to those restrictions was issued The problem is that it is possible to browse, select, and execute setting candidates for avoiding restrictions.

  Compared to a conventional image forming apparatus, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of easily performing use restriction and management of the image forming apparatus, for example, for each user or each organizational unit.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a constraint table for job settings is held, and a check unit is used to check whether a specified job setting corresponds to a setting in the constraint table, thereby restricting or prohibiting execution of the corresponding job. It is possible to perform restrictions. Further, setting candidates for avoiding the restriction are detected from the setting candidate table using the setting candidate search means, and notified to the user using the setting candidate notification means. The user can replace the setting selected from the candidate list with the current job setting and execute it, thereby solving the above problem.

  The present invention is provided with a restriction function for job execution such as job prohibition in addition to the current job restriction, and enables restriction on job execution.

  When a job falls under a restriction, a setting candidate for the job is displayed, the setting is selected, and replaced with the current job setting, so that the job can be executed. Therefore, the user can reset the job without considering the restriction.

  Further, when a job is reset, it is possible to display a job execution image after changing the setting.

  In the present invention, a restriction table for job settings is held, and a check unit is used to check whether a specified job setting corresponds to a setting in the restriction table, and restrictions such as restriction or prohibition on execution of the corresponding job. It is possible to perform. Further, setting candidates for avoiding the restriction are detected from the setting candidate table using the setting candidate search means, and notified to the user using the setting candidate notification means. The user can replace the setting selected from the candidate list with the current job setting and execute it.

  In addition, the registered setting can be held, and a button for performing the setting can be displayed on the operation unit top screen at the next login.

  From the above, it is possible to notice that non-arbitrary settings are made when a job is issued. Further, it is possible to refer to and set a better setting than another setting candidate.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network that accommodates the multifunction apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function device in the present embodiment is a copier having a data transmission / reception function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a copier 1001 has a copier 1002 having a function equivalent to that of the copier 1001, a facsimile machine 1003, a database / mail server 1004, a client computer 1005, and a LAN 1006 made of Ethernet (registered trademark). Contained. The copier 1001 is accommodated in the public line 1008 together with the facsimile machine 1007. The copying machine 1001 has a copy function and a facsimile function, and also has a data transmission function of reading a document image and transmitting image data obtained by the reading to each device on the LAN 1006. Further, since the copying machine 1001 has a PDL (Page Description Language) function, it is possible to receive and print a PDL image instructed from a computer connected on the LAN 1006. The copier 1001 stores an image read by the copier 1001 and a PDL image instructed by a computer connected on the LAN 1006 in a designated box area of the hard disk 2004 (FIG. 2) in the copier 1001. It is possible to print an image stored in the box area.

  The copying machine 1001 can receive the data read by the copying machine 1002 via the LAN 1006 and can store the received data in the hard disk 2004 in the copying machine 1001 or print it out. Further, it is possible to receive an image of the database / mail server 1004 via the client computer 1005 and the LAN 1006 and store it in the copying machine 1001 or print it out. The facsimile apparatus 1003 can receive data read by the copying machine 1001 via the LAN 1006 and transmit the received data.

  The database / mail server 1004 is a server device having a function of receiving data read by the copying machine 1001 via the LAN 1006, storing the received data as a database, and transmitting it as an e-mail.

  By connecting to the database / mail server 1004, the client computer 1005 can acquire and display desired data from the database / mail server 1004, and can also read data read by the copier 1001 through the LAN 1006. It is possible to process and edit the received data.

  The facsimile machine 1007 can receive the data read by the copying machine 1001 via the public line 1008 and print out the received data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the copying machine 1001.

  The copying machine 1001 includes a controller unit 2000, to which a scanner 2070 as an image input device and a printer 2095 as an image output device are connected, and an operation unit 2012 is connected. The controller unit 2000 performs control for realizing a copy function for printing out image data read by the scanner 2070 by the printer 2095, and is connected to a LAN 1006 or a public line 1008 (WAN) to thereby obtain image information and devices. Controls to input / output information.

  Specifically, the controller unit 2000 includes a CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 starts up an operation system (OS) by a boot program stored in the ROM 2003, and is stored in an HDD (hard disk drive) 2004 on the OS. The application program is executed, and various processes are thereby executed. A RAM 2002 is used as a work area of the CPU 2001. The RAM 2002 provides a work area and an image memory area for temporarily storing image data. The HDD 2004 stores the application program and image data.

  Along with the ROM 2003 and the RAM 2002, the CPU 2001 includes an operation unit I / F (operation unit interface) 2006, a network I / F (network interface) 2010, a modem 2050, and an image bus I / F (image bus interface). ) 2005 is connected.

  An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface with an operation unit 2012 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Further, the operation unit I / F 2006 sends information input by the user through the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

  Next, the network I / F 2010 is connected to the LAN 1006 and inputs / outputs information to / from each device on the LAN 1006 via the LAN 1006. The modem 2050 is connected to the public line 1008 and inputs / outputs information via the public line 1008.

  An image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge for connecting a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed and converting the data format. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. On the image bus 2008, a raster image processor (hereinafter referred to as “RIP”) 2060, a device I / F 2020, a scanner image processing unit 2080, a printer image processing unit 2090, an image rotation unit 2030, and an image compression unit 2040 are provided. .

  The RIP 2060 is a processor that develops a PDL code into a bitmap image. A scanner 2070 and a printer 2095 are connected to the device I / F 2020, and the device I / F 2020 performs image data synchronous / asynchronous conversion. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 2090 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like corresponding to the printer 2095 for the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 compresses multi-value image data into JPEG data and binary image data into data such as JBIG, MMR, and MH, and performs decompression processing thereof.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the hardware configuration of the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 shown in FIG.

  The scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 are integrally configured as shown in FIG. The scanner 2070 includes a document feeding unit 250. The document feeding unit 250 feeds documents one by one from the top to the platen glass 211 one by one, and each time the scanning operation of each document is completed, the document is fed. Is discharged from the platen glass 211 to a discharge tray (not shown). When the document is fed onto the platen glass 211, the scanner 2070 turns on the lamp 212 and starts moving the moving unit 213. The scanning of the original on the platen glass 211 is performed by the movement of the moving unit 213. During this scanning, the reflected light from the document is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 218 via each mirror 214, 215, 216 and lens 217, and an image on the document is on the imaging surface of the CCD 218. Is imaged. The CCD 218 converts an image formed on the imaging surface into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is input to a control device (not shown) after being subjected to predetermined processing.

  The printer 2095 has a laser driver 321, and the laser driver 321 drives the laser emission unit 322 based on image data input from the control device. As a result, laser light corresponding to the image data is emitted from the laser light emitting unit 322, and this laser light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 323 while being scanned. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 323 by the irradiated laser light, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the toner supplied from the developing device 324. In synchronization with the irradiation timing of the laser beam, the recording paper is fed from the cassettes 311 and 312 between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 via the conveyance path, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 323 is transferred to the transfer unit 325. Is transferred onto the recording paper fed.

  The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent to a fixing roller pair (heating roller and pressure roller) 326 via a conveyance belt, and the fixing roller pair 326 records the toner image on the recording paper by heat-pressing the recording paper. Fix on paper. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing roller pair 326 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 330 by the paper discharge roller pair 327. The paper discharge unit 330 includes a sheet processing apparatus that can perform post-processing such as sorting and stapling.

  When the duplex recording mode is set, after the recording sheet is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 327, the rotation direction of the discharge roller pair 327 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 by the flapper 328. . The recording paper guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 is fed again between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 at the timing described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back surface of the recording paper.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG.

  The LCD display unit 2013 has a structure in which a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The LCD display unit 2013 displays an operation screen of the copying machine 1001, and when a key displayed on the screen is pressed, the position information is displayed on the controller unit 2000. To the CPU 2001. A start key 2014 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A green and red two-color LED 2018 is provided at the center of the start key 2014, and indicates whether or not the start key 2014 can be used depending on the color. A stop key 2015 is operated to stop an operation in operation. The ID key 2016 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2017 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit 2012.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit 2012.

  A copy tab 901, a transmission / FAX tab 902, a box tab 903, a browser tab 904, and a right arrow tab 905 for selecting various functions are displayed at the top of the operation screen of the operation unit 2012.

  FIG. 5 shows an initial screen of the copy function when the touch key of the copy tab 901 is pressed. The display relating to the copy function is performed in the area 906. From the top of the area 906, the area to be displayed for the copy function is displayed in the area where “Can copy” is displayed, and the magnification below is displayed in the area below it. , The selected paper feed tray, and the set number. In addition, as a touch key for setting the operation mode of the copy function, the left arrow key corresponding to the same size, magnification, paper selection, sorter, double-sided, interrupt, character, thinning for density adjustment, corresponding to the darkening The right arrow key for automatically adjusting and the automatic key for automatically adjusting the density are displayed, and the operation mode designation screen that cannot be displayed on the initial screen is hierarchically displayed in the area 906 by pressing the application mode key. It has become so.

  A display area 907 is an area for displaying the status of the copying machine 1001, for example, an alarm message such as a jam, or a status message indicating that PDL printing is being performed when PDL printing is being performed. It is an area. A system status / cancel touch key 908 is displayed in the display area 907. When the system status / cancel touch key 908 is pressed, a screen for displaying device information of the copier 1001 or a screen for displaying the print job status (not shown). ) Is displayed, and the job can be canceled on this screen.

  When a transmission / FAX tab 902 is pressed, a setting screen for sending an image read by the copying machine 1001 to a device on the LAN 1006 by E-mail or FTP transmission, or by facsimile transmission using the public line 1008 (FIG. 6) is displayed.

  When a box tab 903 is pressed, an image read on the copier 1001 is stored in the box area in the HDD 2004, printed by designating image data stored in the box area, or transmitted to a device on the LAN 1006. Display a setting screen (not shown).

  If the controller unit 2000 is equipped with five or more functions, the right arrow key 905 is displayed on the right side of the four function tabs 901 to 904 of copy, send / fax, box, and browser, and the right arrow When the key 905 is pressed, a screen for another function is displayed.

Hereinafter, two types of restriction patterns “restriction” and “prohibition” will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the setting of the issued job is held using a setting holding unit. (Step S9201)
2. Next, it is confirmed whether the setting of the issued job matches the setting stored in the constraint table of FIG. (Step S9202)
If the result of 3.2 does not match, the job setting is not changed. (To 13) (Step S9203)
If they match as a result of 4.2, it is confirmed whether the setting flag is “restricted” or “prohibited”. (Step S9204)
If the result of 5.3 is “restricted”, the user can be notified via the operation unit 2012 that the set job setting corresponds to the restriction, and the job can be executed with the setting as it is. Because it is possible, a button for continuing the job is displayed without changing the current job setting. (Step S9217)
If the result of 6.4 is “prohibited”, the user can be notified via the operation unit 2012 that the set job setting corresponds to the prohibited item, and the job can be executed with the setting as it is. Hide the button to continue the job because it is impossible. (Step S9205) (FIG. 13)
7). If the job can be continued, when the job is executed with the current settings, the “Yes” button in FIG. Go to 8 to change job settings. (S9218)
8). If the job cannot be continued, the “No” button in FIG. 13 is pressed to change the job setting, and the screen shifts to the job resetting screen. (Fig. 14)
9. Reset the job.

9-1 Check whether the alternative setting is registered in advance (S9206)
9-2 When the alternative setting is registered, the setting is displayed (S9213).
9-3 If the alternative setting is not registered in advance, the alternative setting is searched from the setting candidate list table (S9207).
* Press the job setting candidate list button in FIG. 14 to search the setting candidate list for the job using the setting candidate search means and the information stored in the tables of FIGS. 9 and 10. 9-4 Search by 9-3 The set candidate list is displayed (S9208) (FIG. 15).
9-5 Select a setting from the setting candidate list displayed in 9-4 (S9209).
* When the execution result image button in Fig. 15 is pressed, the execution image with the set job settings can be displayed (Fig. 16).
9-6 The current job setting is changed to the job setting selected in 9-5 (S9210).
9. Display the job execution confirmation screen. (FIG. 17) (S9211)
10. When the setting save button in FIG. 17 is pressed, a setting registration screen is displayed. (FIG. 18) (S9212-S9213)
11. When logging in, when the button to be displayed on the top screen is pressed, when the next user logs in, when the button for specifying the setting on the top screen is pressed, the button with the settings saved at the next login is displayed on the top screen (Figure 19) (S9214-S9215)
12 Run the job with the specified settings. (Step S9216)
Database software is installed in the HDD 204 of the copying machine 1001, and this database stores restrictions / prohibition items, setting candidates, and corresponding job processing information. The apparatus for storing the table is not limited to the HDD 204 installed in the copying machine 1001, and may be a storage device or an information processing apparatus connected to the copying machine 1001 via a network, for example.

(1) Function and set value of copying machine (Fig. 6)
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a table holding the functions and setting values of the copying machine.

  When the set value patterns are determined in advance, the upper and lower limit values are held for all the patterns and the function for setting the input value.

(2) Restriction setting combinations (Fig. 7)
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a table that holds setting combinations of jobs to be restricted such as restrictions and prohibitions. The functions used for the combination and the set values thereof are referred to from a table holding the functions and set values of the copying machine shown in FIG.

When a job corresponding to the registered settings is issued in the constraint table,
It has a flag that determines the type of constraint, such as whether to restrict or prohibit. In the constraint table, when a job setting similar to that combination is issued, it is possible to specify a setting candidate for replacing the setting corresponding to the restriction item with an unrestricted setting. The setting combination can be arbitrarily named by the user.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to change, register, and delete restriction items based on user instruction input via the operation unit 2012. (FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25)
(3) Constraint flag (Fig. 8)
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a table that holds restriction flags such as restriction and prohibition.

  The flag can register processing for job execution such as restriction / prohibition.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to change, register, and delete the restriction / prohibition flag based on a user instruction input via the operation unit 2012.

(3) Optimal setting pattern (Fig. 9)
FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a table for storing the optimum setting pattern of each job. Priorities can be given to the optimum setting patterns, and the priority is decreased in order from the candidate 1. Each optimum setting pattern can be identified with a name.

In the present embodiment, the optimum setting pattern can be changed, registered, or deleted based on a user instruction input via the operation unit 2012. (FIGS. 26, 27, 28, 29/34, and 35)
(3) Optimal setting combination (Fig. 10)
FIG. 10 is a diagram in which combinations of functions are registered by utilizing the functions of the copying machine. This combination can be identified by a name.

In the present embodiment, combinations can be changed, registered, or deleted based on user instruction input via the operation unit 2012. (FIGS. 30, 31, 32, and 33)
(4) Restricted user management (FIG. 11)
FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a table that holds users for which restrictions are valid for registered restrictions. When the global flag is OFF, the registered individual, section, department, etc. are subject to restriction. When the flag is ON, the registered information is the individual, department, department even if the entire flag is ON. And

In the present embodiment, the overall flag can be changed based on a user instruction input via the operation unit 2012. (Fig. 23)
(5) User management (FIG. 12)
FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a table that holds IDs and passwords of individuals, sections, and departments as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, registration, change, and deletion of a user name and password can be set based on a user instruction input via the operation unit 2012.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the network which accommodates the multifunctional apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a copying machine. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a hardware configuration of the scanner and printer shown in FIG. 2. It is a top view which shows the structure of the operation part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on an operation part. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a table storing functions, setting values, and upper limit values of a copying machine. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the table which stores the information regarding a restriction | limiting / prohibition matter. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the table which stores a restriction | limiting / prohibition flag. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the table which stores the information regarding an optimal setting pattern. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the table which stores the information regarding optimal setting. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the table which stores the restriction | limiting / prohibition object. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the table which stores user ID and a password. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the applicable notification screen of a restriction | limiting / prohibition matter. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a job resetting screen. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the setting candidate list display screen. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen for output result images typically. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the screen for job execution confirmation. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen for setting registration typically. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the top screen at the time of a setting button display. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the restrictions / prohibition matter new registration screen. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the setting function list screen with respect to a restriction | limiting / prohibition matter. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the restriction | limiting / prohibition setting registration confirmation screen. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the screen for flag setting and restriction | limiting / prohibition object setting. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen for setting name registration typically. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen for setting confirmation typically. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the restriction | limiting / prohibition item selection screen with respect to an optimal setting pattern. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the screen for optimal setting pattern selection and new registration. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the screen for optimal setting pattern name registration. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the screen for optimal setting pattern name confirmation. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen for optimal setting registration typically. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the screen for optimal setting function list display. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the screen for optimal setting name registration. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen for setting confirmation typically. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the screen for priority setting with respect to an optimal setting pattern. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen for setting confirmation typically. It is a flowchart of an Example. It is a flowchart of an Example. It is a flowchart of an Example.

Claims (13)

In the image forming apparatus capable of holding the set job setting information when the copier job is issued,
A setting storage means for storing job setting information set by the user;
It has a restriction table that holds job setting information to be restricted,
Check means for checking whether the same job setting set by the user exists in the table,
A notification means for notifying the user that the job setting set by the user falls under the restriction target;
A setting candidate table that holds replacement settings for restricted job settings;
Setting candidate search means for searching for setting candidates from within the table;
A setting candidate notification means for notifying the user of the result,
Use the setting holding means to hold the job settings set by the user,
Using the constraint table and check means, the job settings in the constraint table,
Check if the stored information matches, and if it matches,
Use notification means to notify the user that it is applicable,
Search the setting candidate table for alternative settings for the specified job setting,
Notify the user of the search result list using the setting candidate notification means,
An image forming apparatus capable of executing a job by replacing the job setting selected from the notified setting candidate list with a current job setting. The constraint table of claim 1 is a constraint table.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is a table that holds a job setting pattern that is restricted when a job is issued.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a job setting to be restricted can be edited (added / deleted / changed) from an operation unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a restriction for a job can be individually set for each job setting pattern in the restriction table.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting candidate is a setting pattern registered in a setting candidate table.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a setting pattern not corresponding to the check is searched for.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting candidate can be edited (added / modified / deleted) from the operation unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a setting candidate is added, a target restriction can be set.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority order for displaying the setting candidates can be changed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job execution image with the setting candidate selected by the user can be displayed.   2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a key that can be changed to the displayed setting can be displayed on the top screen from the next time.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job can be restricted by department, section, or individual.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job is for all functions of the copying machine.

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